Our digest of Portland’s top upcoming food and drink events, including The Wedge cheese festival and local auditions for FOX's MasterChef.

What: Four of Portland's top chefs Jenn Louis (Lincoln), Cathy Whims (Nostrana), Sarah Schafer (Irving Street Kitchen), and Joanna Wares (Smallwares) will join journalist Charlotte Druckman to launch her new book Skirt Steak: Women Chefs on Standing the Heat and Staying in the Kitchen. Full Eat Beat details available here. When: Wednesday, October 3rdWhere: Lincoln Restaurant 3808 North Williams AvenueHow Much: $80 including dinner, wine, and a copy of the new book. Proceeds will benefit Janus Youth, and reservations are available by calling 503-288-6200 or emailing office@lincolnpdx.com (include “Skirt” in the subject line).

Pasta Dinner with Francesca Tori at Nostrana

What: A special dinner menu from Bologna's pasta maven Francesca Tori as a part of her U.S. tour. Diners will be able to choose from a variety of dishes featuring traditional handmade egg pasta in the style of Emilia Romagna.When: Thursday, October 4th from 5 to 10 pm.Where: Nostrana 1401 SE Morrison PortlandHow Much: Special menu items a la carte, prices vary. Call 503-234-2427 for reservations or book online here.

Doug Fir's 8th Anniversary

What: The iconic East Burnside venue is celebrating eight years of local music, food, and drink with a week of specials and giveaways. Food specials include 2 for 1 Logger Breakfasts, 2 for 1 Fir Burgers, and free Doug Fir Beer Coozies with the purchase of any PBR. Buy a ticket to any show during the anniversary week and you could win a VIP pass for two to all 2013 Doug Firs shows and an $800 food and drink credit. When: October 2nd through 9th, 7 am to 2:30 am.Where: Doug Fir 830 East Burnside StreetHow Much: Ticket and drink prices vary.

The Wedge Cheese Festival

What: The annual cheese festival from Rogue Ales is back for another year, featuring over 40 artisan cheesemakers and food producers. Organized by the Oregon Cheese Guild, the festival showcases specialty, farmstead, and artisan cheeses from around the region in a day-long celebration of all things cheesy. The event will also feature a beer garden from the Green Dragon pub & Buckman Botanical brewery.When: Saturday, October 6th from 10 am to 4 pmWhere: The Green Dragon 928 SE 9th AvenueHow Much: $5 donation requested to benefit the non-profit Oregon Cheese Guild

Be a Vintner for a Day along the North Willamette Harvest Trail

What: A hands-on harvest experience and grand tasting alongside winemakers and vineyard managers at three different North Willamette Wineries. Guests will learn about the winemaking process, walk through the vines, sort grapes, and sample juice straight from the press, culminating with a Grand Tasting at Garden Vineyards featuring all members of the North Willamette Vintners. When: Saturday, October 6th from 10 am to 6 pmWhere: Buses depart from Garden Vineyards (12960 Northwest Dick Road in Hillsboro) for the tours and return for the Grand Tasting. Tour routes TBD based on status of harvest.How Much: Full trail tickets are $79, including transportation between wineries, guided tours, lunch, wine tastings and food pairings, wine glass, and canvas tote bag. Grand Tasting Only tickets are available for $35. Click here for tickets and more information.

Tabor Tavern Brewers Dinner with Lompoc Brewing

What: The new Tabor Tavern's first brewers dinner will feature Lompoc Brewing's head brewer Bryan Keilty and a four-course autumnal feast with beer pairings, including the newly-released Monster Mash. Dishes are set to include smoked prawns paired with Zig's Swig and Monster Mash-braised beef short ribs with root veggie hash.When: Wednesday, October 10th at 7 pm.Where: Tabor Tavern 5325 East Burnside How Much: $45 per person. Reservations available by calling 503-208-3544.

House Spirits Krogstad Aquavit Dinner at Bent Brick

What: A modern four-course menu from chef William Preisch and bar manager Connor Mansager featuring House Spirits Krogstad Aquavit. Dishes are set to include aquavit-marinated anchovies, aquavit "rootbeer floats", roasted and braised lamb with fennel and caramelized yogurt sauce, and much more. When: Thursday, October 11th at 6:30 pmWhere: The Bent Brick at 1639 NW MarshallHow Much: $75 per person including food and cocktail pairings. Reservations available at 503-688-1655.

Red Ridge Farms Paella Class

What: Learn the traditional art of Spanish Paella from local paella master Scott Kettermen of Crown Paella. The demonstration will be followed by a full dinner, including wine pairings, tapas, salad, and paella with chicken, mussels, clams, prawns, and chorizo.When: Sunday, October 14th from 4 to 7 pmWhere: RedRidge Farms, 5510 NE Breyman Orchards Road in Dayton, Oregon.How Much: $75 per person, including tapas, wine, dinner, and demo. Reservations required, call 503-864-8502.

MasterChef Auditions in Portland

What: FOX's MasterChef will be holding an open casting call in Portland in November! The high-pressure cooking show, judged by chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich, and chef Graham Elliot, features amateur cooks in a variety of challenges. When: Saturday, November 10th from 10 am to 6 pmWhere: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts 600 Southwest 10th Avenue #500How Much: Free. VisitMasterChefCasting.com for pre-registration details and further info.